Preface This document is an attempt at defining an architectural response to the challenges within the postmodern world of today. As a collection of ideas, concepts, and strategies, it serves as an exploration in pursuit of defining an effective architectural identity. At its core, a muted intensity is an individual and personal model for addressing and interpreting the current needs and trends of society and investigated through architectural means. The framework for this topic has been laid out with the understanding and belief in an architecture that strives not for a “brand name� architecture or a grand representation of an architect’s ego, but rather an architecture that engages an audience in a personal and self-reflective manner through the employment of several defined architectural principles. A muted intensity is in part a critical response to populist architecture that is focused primarily on form or massing as its defining feature. The goal is producing spaces that leave a lasting impression on visitors and users rather than simply making a strong first impression, something that is characteristic of much of contemporary architecture today. A muted intensity should not be
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